The 600 acre open lake and surrounding 1200 acres of cypress swamp are the lifeblood of this relatively small but richly diverse refuge.

The lake is open to fishing from March 15 - October 31. A boat ramp is located off of Highway 77. A fishing pier is located on the east side of the lake. Fishing is expected to be poor until the Lake Restoration Project is completed, target date of 2006.

A kiosk is located along the entrance road and northwest of the headquarters building describing the Fish & Wildlife Service and Management Activities at Wapanocca NWR. An unstaffed visitor center is located in the headquarters building and is open from 7AM to 4PM Monday - Friday. Programs/tours are given to groups as schedules allow, call in advance for scheduling.

The refuge is open year-round for these activities. A six mile Nature Drive takes you by numerous types of habitat (cypress swamp, bottomland timber, water impoundments, grass/small trees, agricultural fields) thus great opportunities to view a variety of plants and animals. An observation pier is located just off the Nature Drive to allow you to view the scenic 600 acre Wapanocca Lake, its cypress surroundings and wildlife associated with the lake. Peak periods for viewing large numbers of waterfowl are December and January.

The office is open from 7AM to 4PM, Monday - Friday. The Nature Drive is open daily, dawn to dusk (year-round).